LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has termed the Punjab Local Government Act undemocratic and oppressive, demanding the transfer of all powers to local governments in accordance with Article 140-A of the Constitution and the holding of timely local body elections.
Addressing a book launch ceremony at Mansoorah for “Syed Maududi and His Political Thought in the Context of Contemporary Ideas,” authored by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr Farid Ahmed Paracha, Rehman said the bureaucracy must function under elected representatives, not above them.
He rejected the creation of provincial authorities to usurp powers and opposed dynastic politics, announcing that a country-wide public referendum in support of an empowered local government system will be held on January 15.
Reaffirming Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to systemic change and the struggle for the establishment of Islam, Rehman said the party would continue its struggle with patience and perseverance, citing the steadfastness shown by Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh as an example.
He said democracy in Pakistan exists “not even to the letter ‘D’,” adding that many so-called democratic leaders entered assemblies through Form-47. He criticised the ban on student unions, the absence of empowered local governments, and the dominance of family-based politics. He said both Punjab and Sindh are undermining democracy, claiming that while the local government system was crushed in Sindh, Punjab went even further with its new law, including proposals for non-party-based local elections.
Rehman said political parties themselves fear grassroots leadership, denying long-time workers the chance to rise, while families continue to dominate party structures.
He said that the Pakistan People’s Party is controlled by a few families and feudal elites, and that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) suffers from similar issues, adding both are in power with the backing of the establishment.
Highlighting poor governance, he said state performance exists only in advertisements, while the health and education sectors are in ruins. He questioned the rulers why nearly 25 million children remain out of school nationwide, and why around 10 million children in Punjab alone are not attending school despite claims of a literate Punjab.
He said Jamaat-e-Islami is pursuing peaceful, democratic, and political resistance, adding that the party will continue to participate in elections while simultaneously striving for electoral reforms.
The ceremony was also addressed by Jamaat-e-Islami Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch, PML-N leader Saad Rafique, senior journalist Mujib ur Rehman Shami, Principal Jamia Urwa-tul-Wusqa Syed Jawad Naqvi, and columnist Dr Hussain Ahmed Paracha.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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